Dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, is a hormone synthesized by your adrenal gland. DHEA is then converted to a variety of other hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone, the American Cancer Society reports. There is no scientific evidence that DHEA can be obtained from eating foods. However, you can increase your DHEA levels by taking a supplement that contains the hormone. There are a number of pros and cons that you should consider prior to taking a DHEA supplement.
Improve Skin Appearance
According to MedlinePlus, oral DHEA supplements seem to improve skin appearance in older patients. DHEA can increase your skin's thickness and enhance its moisture content. Furthermore, the hormone can cause a reduction in the number of age spots commonly seen in older individuals.
Treating Obesity
Obesity is a disease characterized by a body mass index, or BMI, greater than 30. Obese patients are significantly heavier than the recommended weight for their height. One of the advantages of DHEA supplements is that the hormone has proven effective in reducing weight, MayoClinic.com notes. DHEA supplements can also reduce your overall body fat percentage.
Increased Bone Density
A weakening in your bones leads to a disease called osteoporosis. This weakening is caused by a decrease in bone density and a lessening of the bone's structural integrity. By taking oral DHEA, you may improve your overall bone density, MedlinePlus explains. DHEA is especially effective in older men and women with osteoporosis. Younger women suffering from the eating disorder anorexia can also experience an increase in bone density if they take DHEA supplements.
Unregulated Hormone
A serious con associated with DHEA supplements is that there is no government or advisory body that regulates them, the UC Berkeley Wellness Guide to Dietary Supplements states. This means that DHEA supplements may not contain the stated ingredients or may contain extra additives. Therefore, you cannot be sure if the DHEA supplement you are using is providing the proper amounts of the hormone.
Possible Danger During Pregnancy
Maternal hormones can cross the placental barrier and reach a growing fetus. DHEA as a hormone can easily reach the unborn child, MayoClinic.com reports. This hormonal interference may cause developmental problems in the fetus. Pregnant mothers should avoid taking any DHEA supplementation.
Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Effects
According to MedlinePlus, DHEA can negatively affect your blood sugar and cholesterol levels. HDL cholesterol, the "good cholesterol", levels can be reduced by DHEA. Low levels of HDL can predispose you to heart disease and cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, DHEA interferes with the normal function of insulin, and can therefore change your blood sugar levels. In diabetics this can lead to adverse complications. If your HDL cholesterol levels are already low or if you are concerned about your blood sugar levels, refrain from taking DHEA supplements.
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